Cuboid fracture: surgical treatment, midterm follow-up, and management algorithm

Abstract

Objectives: Describe the epidemiology of cuboid fracture, the mechanisms of injury and associated injuries, the progression to osteoarthritis, and propose a surgical management algorithm. Methods: A retrospective and descriptive study of patients with cuboid fractures operated on between 2009 and 2014. The variables analyzed were age, sex, mechanism of injury, classification, associated fractures, and osteoarthritis changes, among others. Results: Twenty-seven patients were included: 19 men and eight women. The mean age was 41.3 years (range 25 - 62). The mean followup was 3.3 years. The mechanisms of injury were motor vehicle accidents and falls from height. Among the patients, 44.4% had lateral column shortening, and 81.5% involved calcaneal cuboid articular surface. Cuboid locking plates were used in 15 patients, and single screw fixation was used in four patients. Three patients required a bone graft. Degenerative changes were observed in calcaneocuboid and cuboid-metatarsal joints. Conclusions: Cuboid fracture is an uncommon injury. In general, the injuries are caused by high-energy accidents. In our study, 40.7% of patients had an injury to the medial column. It is recommended the use of a cuboid locking plate for comminuted fractures, screw fixation for simple fractures, and a bridging plate or external fixation can be considered for most complex cases. Level of Evidence IV; Retrospective Case Series.